JOB PURPOSE
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a dynamic, analytical, and highly motivated individual for the position of MEAL Manager. The ideal candidate has worked in programs (e.g. design, management, monitoring) and has concrete experience with compliance, monitoring and evaluation, and tracking systems and processes. The MEAL Manager contributes to overall program quality through the conceptualization, coordination, and implementation of enhanced monitoring and evaluation, accountability, and learning strategies, including high quality written products; the emphasis is on streamlining processes and tools for efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability throughout the project cycle across the IRC’s various sectors and departments. A critical component of this role is written documentation of these processes and learning stemming from them. This position is based in Addis Ababa within the program department, but will require frequent travel to the field. The MEAL Manager will technically supervise the MEAL Officers in the field and directly report to the Accountability and Learning Coordinator in Addis Ababa.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
Accountability and Monitoring Systems
· Collaborate with the Grants Unit and technical teams to provide input as needed on performance monitoring plans, including logical frameworks, towards comprehensive strategies that will ensure program quality and impact.
· Manage development and use of project monitoring tools, and provide consultation as needed to project/program staff as they design and define effective and technically sound indicators for new and ongoing programs.
· Manage ongoing efforts to streamline data (including qualitative) collection, storage, and management across the country program.
· Manage the development of effective and sustainable feedback mechanisms to/from the main office and field offices with regards to program monitoring tools and systems; and to IRC from program beneficiaries/stakeholders, including an inventory of current and best practices among other actors.
· Support IRC Ethiopia technical and senior management staff as needed to interpret and inform project design and management decisions based on collected data.
· Contribute to the rollout of IRC global strategic initiatives related to measurement and accountability, including adapting in-country tools where needed to align and enable reporting against IRC global standards and requirements.
Assessment, Learning, and Documentation
· Ensure relevant, timely, and quality support to IRC Ethiopia technical sectors on assessments and evaluations, either directly in developing/advising on methods, or through support in the recruitment and oversight of consultants.
· Attend and participate in regularly scheduled meetings with coordinators/managers on project monitoring and learning updates, achievements, challenges, while developing a method/forum for pertinent information to be fed back to other relevant staff/departments.
· Manage the documentation (writing, editing) and dissemination of key findings stemming from monitoring, assessment, and other learning activities.
· Track and ensure organized, comprehensive electronic filing of documented findings/analyses.
· When appropriate/applicable, facilitate and participate in information sharing opportunities among IRC partners/donors.
Capacity Building
· Facilitate capacity building for other IRC staff (especially the MEAL Officers) on skills and knowledge related to M&E, accountability and learning, including related IRC global initiatives. Relevant topics may include but are not limited to, qualitative monitoring and assessment methods; analytical and technical writing; developing logframes/M&E plans.
· Conduct visits to field sites to provide training, technical assistance, and support, as well as to ensure that accountability and learning tools and strategies are understood and being implemented effectively.
Education:
· Master’s degree in social sciences, systems science, and/or other relevant fields with at least three years of relevant professional work experience; or bachelor’s degree with more than six years of relevant experience.
Work Experience:
· Minimum of three years’ experience in an international NGO in similar role/with similar responsibilities.
· Demonstrated understanding of direct monitoring and evaluation experience, specifically in the humanitarian and development context.
· Knowledge of major donor requirements, e.g. US Government, DFID, UN, EU
· Demonstrated experience developing tools and systems for, and building capacity of others in skills related to, program tracking and documentation.
· Demonstrated experience in staff supervision.
· Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies, including logical models, conceptual frameworks, and assessment/evaluation.
· Demonstrated experience of implementing beneficiary complaint and feedback mechanisms.
· High proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
· Familiarity with information management systems and analysis software is a plus.
· Effective, high-quality communication, writing, and interpersonal skills are essential.
Requirements:
Personal specifications:
· Ability to work under pressure, long work hours, and high workload.
· Ability to independently organize work and prioritize tasks.
· Self-motivated, honest, highly responsible, and punctual.
· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
TIME FRAME
The length of the posting is 6 months initially, but could be extended, contingent upon satisfactory performance evaluation. Qualified women are highly encouraged to apply!